Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  My First Ford... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By BAC - November 5 - 2:06 pm

  Owning many other cars (GM, Toyota, Honda) over the past 30 years, this is my first Ford and Im impressed. Traded in a 07 Pontiac G6 hard top convertible as it was coming out of warranty. The Fusion Sport looks good, handles great and has very good acceleration. Its a great sporty, family car. Ive had for a month and put on 1100 miles, including 400 miles over Thanksgiving. Very comfortable for 4 adults and good trunk size. Getting 18/25 MPG. Considered Mazda6 with some extra features, but the look and feel of the Fusion Sport won me over. After one final back-to-back test drive between the two, the decision was easy. Purchased with Moon/Tune pkg. and rear assist sensors.

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  BAD @$$ - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Scrubbs33 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a dream....... i own a 68 mustang and as a second car i bought a mitsubishi eclipse...... ILL NEVER GO FORIEGN AGAIN!!!! I bought this mustang and i love it........ its a blast to drive...... needs better brakes but other than that its a bad @$$ little car.

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  Expensive to own - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By TJ1000 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my mustang but am virtually forced to sell because I cant afford the monthly repairs this car requires. The car is high maintenance and it would be one thing to repair it, but it means you have to go to a ford dealer and sit there in wait hours with other ford owners. Trust me, its not fun. $300+ monthly maintenance bills. Mine has sit in my driveway for 4 months without moving, because I couldnt afford to fix it for a while.

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  Ford Ranger - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By Jan Lockwood - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Used truck with over 100,000 miles. Has an oil leak that cannot be repaired.Exterior door damaged. Somewhat beat up.

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  Contour Owner - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Skittlzz17 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just recently got the contour and so far i love the performance with it. The check engine light is on but not sure why. It does great on the highway and is very comfy!

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  Escape from reality - 2004 Ford Escape
  By abnrerity - November 5 - 2:00 am

  For a first time SUV owner, I was a little scared. But this suv handles curves well with comfort and style. Long drives can be a pain, but with a smooth and a quiet ride, this suv will give you everything you want. Gas mileage is not bad for a 6 cylinder engine.

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  Bad Gas and Service - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jeoddo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The car seems to be a good car, but the Gas Mileage is terrible. 19-20 mostly on the highway. Car the dealer and since computer doesnt tell them the problem they cant fix it. No help past that and customer assistance only logs calls. Trying to get further, maybe sometime someone may help. Would not buy another Ford with this service so far.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By MizLiz - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my second Focus, and I probably will never consider another make of car. Just getting in and out of it is effortless; no small thing for an old lady. Its just the right height, rather like sitting in a regular chair....instead of sitting way down close to the ground. I commute 80 miles per day on the freeway, so this car is perfect...it has great response time, and can accelerate very quickly if needed. It is also extremely maneuverable and easy to park.

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  dogg - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dogg - November 5 - 2:00 am

  cool car awsome to drive and extremly fast and stylish

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  This is a dream - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Spdrfall - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is sleek, snappy, and well built. The 4.0 is a true mix between power and economy, averaging about 20 to the gallon, and still more power than anybody buying a compact truck would need. Definatly buy Fords.